Photo-Eye Is Blocked or Misaligned
The photo-eye sensors are critical safety features that prevent the garage door from closing on obstructions. Located about 6 inches off the ground, these sensors can malfunction if dirty or misaligned, stopping the door from operating correctly.
Solution: Clean both sensors gently with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. Ensure they are aligned at the same height and angle. If cleaning and aligning do not solve the issue, a professional adjustment or replacement may be necessary. Note:
When the sensors are in alignment the LED light on the respective sensor will be solid, not flashing. One sensor is amber, the other is green. If you seem to consistently have an issue on bright, sunny days the reflection from the sun may be causing the “perceived obstruction”.
Power Issues to the Operator
Sometimes, the simplest issues like the garage door operator being unplugged or a tripped circuit breaker can prevent the door from operating.
Solution: Ensure the operator’s power cord is securely plugged into an outlet. Check your home’s electrical panel for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Reset or replace them as needed, and consider consulting an electrician if these issues persist.
Expired Transmitter Batteries
The remote control’s effectiveness depends on its battery life. If the garage door does not respond to the remote, the batteries might be expired.
Solution: Open the remote control and replace the old batteries with new ones. After replacing, test the remote to see if the door responds. If not, further investigation into the remote or receiver may be needed.
Broken Torsion or Extension Springs
Garage doors use torsion or extension springs to help lift the door. These springs can break due to wear and tear, causing the door to become inoperable even if the motor sounds like it’s working.
Solution: Inspect the springs without touching them—a broken garage door spring is evident by a noticeable gap. Due to the dangerous nature of high-tension springs, call a professional, like Forest Garage Doors, to replace them safely.
Snapped Cables
Cables work in conjunction with springs to lift and lower the garage door smoothly. If these cables snap, the door can hang unevenly or fail to open at all.
Solution: Look for hanging or frayed cables near the door mechanism. Do not attempt to fix these yourself as the tension can be dangerous. Do not touch the cables. A professional service can replace these cables safely.
Misadjusted Sensitivity
If the sensitivity settings on your garage door opener are too low or high, the door might not operate correctly.
Solution: Refer to the owner’s manual to adjust the sensitivity settings on your garage door opener. If adjusting these settings doesn’t work, it could be a sign of another issue needing professional diagnosis. Note: newer model openers often have auto adjusting sensitivity/force in which case you will need to call a professional.
Remote Signal Issues
Issues with the remote signal can include being out of range, interference, or a damaged antenna. It’s also possible that you need to program or reset your garage door opener.
Solution: Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the receiver. Check the antenna on the motor unit to make sure it is intact and properly oriented. If the problem persists, the remote or receiver may need to be repaired or replaced.
Misaligned Door Tracks
If the tracks that guide the garage door are misaligned, the door can stick or derail.
Solution: Check for visible gaps between the rollers and track. Listen for unusual scraping sounds when the door moves. You can lightly tap the track back into position using a rubber mallet. If alignment issues are severe, professional repair is recommended.
Obstructed Tracks
Tracks filled with debris or slight obstructions can cause the door to reverse or stop.
Solution: Regularly clear the tracks of leaves, rocks, and dirt. Also, inspect for rust or damage that might catch the rollers. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the problem, the tracks might need to be replaced.
Disconnected Motor
If the motor is running but the door isn’t moving, it could be that the motor is not engaging with the door’s lifting mechanism.
Solution: This usually requires reattaching the motor to the door’s system, which can be complex. A professional can ensure this is done safely and correctly.
Accidental Lock Engagement
Modern garage door openers have a lock mode that prevents the door from being opened remotely, usually activated by a button on the wall console.
Solution: Check the console for a blinking light, which indicates lock mode is active. Pressing the lock button for a few seconds can deactivate it.
Stripped Gear in the Opener
The gears within the garage door opener can wear out or strip, making it unable to lift the door.
Solution: Listen for a humming or grinding noise without door movement, which suggests a gear problem. This repair is intricate and should be handled by a garage door technician to replace the stripped gears.
Keypad Out of Sync
Over time, the keypad code can desynchronize from the garage door opener, or the keypad itself can malfunction.
Solution: Try reprogramming the keypad using the instructions in your owner’s manual. If reprogramming doesn’t work, replace the keypad to ensure compatibility and functionality.
Understanding these common issues can help you diagnose your garage door problems. However, garage doors involve complex mechanisms that can pose safety risks. For any significant repairs, especially involving springs and cables, always rely on professionals like Forest Garage Doors, ensuring safety and quality since 1946. If you suspect a more complex issue or need assistance, contact us for a free estimate and expert service that stands behind every repair.
